Tele-diagnostic device

ABSTRACT

A system ( 10 ) for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location ( 18, 20 , and  22   a - 22   e ) and for providing emergency treatment. The system ( 10 ) comprises, a first member ( 12   a ) adaptable to be worn on a person&#39;s first hand and a second member ( 12   b ) adaptable to be worn on a person&#39;s second hand. The members ( 12   a  and  12   b ) comprise a plurality of diagnostic devices and a defibrillator device. A transmitting unit for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location is provided.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/084,647, filed May 26, 1998, entitled EmergencyMedical Monitoring Device, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to a system, and a device for use with thesystem, for obtaining a plurality of medical diagnostic information andfor providing emergency treatment. In particular, the present inventionrelates to a system, and device for use with the system, for gatheringcardiac-related diagnostic information and transmitting the informationfrom a first, remote, location, to a second location, such as a medicalmonitoring command center, for providing medical management informationfrom the first location to the second location, and for providingemergency treatment to the patient at the first location.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In a hospital setting, when a situation arises, where a person indistress (i.e., a “patient”) requires emergency treatment (i.e., and“emergency”), the doctor attending the patient must first evaluate thepatient and determine the cause of the emergency. To do so, the doctortypically examines the patient in a methodical manner: (i) observing thepatient's appearance and actions, (ii) if the situation permits, askingthe patient and/or others around the patient questions, to obtain anaccurate history of the illness, and (iii) performing a number ofdiagnostic tests such as EKG, blood pressure, pulse, blood gas analysisetc. After conducting the examination, the doctor is able to diagnosethe patient's illness and decide upon a course of action (i.e., thetreatment), to alleviate the medical emergency the patient is sufferingfrom.

[0004] However, emergencies rarely occur in a setting where a doctor isin close physical proximity to the patient. Not uncommonly, emergenciesoccur at remote locations. Usually a paramedic is the first medicalprofessional to reach the patient. In addition to transporting thepatient to a hospital where the patient can be treated by a doctor, theparamedic typically uses a plurality of independent medical diagnosticprobes, such as a blood pressure apparatus, stethoscope, and EKG deviceto perform a quick evaluation of the patient. The paramedic then conveysthis information to a doctor so that the doctor can (i) provide theparamedic with treatment instructions, and (ii) prepare the emergencyroom for the incoming patient. This routine, while being the commonlyaccepted practice, is somewhat inefficient in that it is relatively timeconsuming to manipulate all of the different diagnostic probes attachedto the patient to generate vital information and accurately read thedisplay and convey the information to the doctor. Usually this is doneover a local radio transmitting system, from an ambulance.

[0005] Other emergency situations occur where the patient is in alocation which is not easily accessible except to persons already inthat location. Typically, such situations occur in a plane, a boat, orother remote locations like ski resorts. Often times, constraints, suchas budgetary restrictions, or easy access to the location of theemergency situation, limit availability of medical diagnostic equipment.In other circumstances, lack of sufficient population does not meritsatisfactory medical diagnostic facilities. If an emergency situationoccurs in a boat or plane, the vessel carrying the patient must reach aground station so that the patient can be treated by a doctor at thebase station or transported to a hospital by paramedics. In these cases,inevitably, more time passes before a doctor can evaluate the patient'smedical condition and prescribe a course of action.

[0006] In most emergency situations, time is of the essence and is thekey factor that determines the final outcome. As the passage of timebefore receiving treatment increases, the chances of successfullytreating the patient decreases. Thus, it would be desirable to provide adevice and system that could reduce the time element in the evaluationand treatment of the patient. Accordingly, a device and system whichcould reduce the time for evaluating a patient and transmitting theinformation gathered to a doctor would be desirable.

[0007] Also, it would be desirable to be able to provide a device andsystem which could be used by non-medical personnel (e.g., a flightattendant) which could enable a remotely located doctor to evaluate apatient and to provide emergency treatment without having to wait for aparamedic or caregiver to arrive.

[0008] During emergency situations, time is often expended adjusting theplacement of EKG electrodes to take accurate EKG readings. Moreover,even in a non-emergency situation, it is often time consuming tocorrectly locate the proper placement of EKG electrodes. It would bedesirable to provide a device which could be placed directly on thepatient's chest and which could expedite the recording of accurate EKGtracings. It would also be desirable to provide a device which iscapable of readily obtaining from the patient a plurality of diagnosticinformation and transmitting them in the shortest amount of time to helpfacilitate a doctor located far away from the patient to analyze thedata and diagnose the emergency condition.

[0009] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an inexpensive andeasy to use device which could (i) quickly and easily gather andtransmit from a remote location a plurality of diagnostic information,which includes EKG, Blood Pressure, Pulse, temperature % O₂ saturation,and heart sound monitoring, (ii) provide the ability to allow oralcommunication with a remote location from a medical command center,(iii) provide emergency initial treatment, and (iv) expedite theeventual transfer of the patient to the nearest medical center.

[0010] It would also be desirable to provide a device and a system whichcould convey all the diagnostic information mentioned above, and havethe capability to recognize life threatening heart irregularities andhave the ability to instantaneously defibrillate a patient.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensiveand easy to use system for gathering and transmitting a plurality ofdiagnostic information to a remote location.

[0012] Another object is to provide an inexpensive and easy to usesystem for providing emergency medical treatment at a remote location.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide aninexpensive and easy to use probe which could gather and transmit aplurality of diagnostic information to a remote location.

[0014] Yet still another object is to provide an inexpensive and easy touse device which could provide emergency medical treatment (e.g.defibrillation) at a remote location.

[0015] In carrying out the above and other objects, a system forcollecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting thediagnostic information to a remote location and for providing emergencytreatment is provided. The system comprises a first member adaptable tobe worn on a first hand of a person, a second member adaptable to beworn on a second hand of a person, and a means for transmittinginformation to, and receiving information from, a remote location. Eachmember comprises a glove member having a palm portion, a wrist portionand five phalange portions. The members further comprise an EKGdiagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse rate device, a temperaturedevice and a defibrillator device. Also, the members could have a % O₂device, as well as an auscultation device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the system of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first side of a first apparatus of thepresent invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second side of the first apparatus ofthe present invention;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first side of a second apparatus of thepresent invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a second side of the second apparatus ofthe present invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the interface unitshown in FIG. 1; and

[0022]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an EKG sensor used in FIGS. 2-5.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention relates to a system, and a device for usewith the system, for obtaining a plurality of medical diagnosticinformation from, and for providing emergency treatment at, a remotelocation. In particular, the present invention relates to a system, anddiagnostic probe and emergency treatment members and an informationtransmission device for use with the system, for gathering cardiacrelated diagnostic information and transmitting the information from aremote location to another location, such as a medical monitoringcommand center, and for providing emergency treatment at the remotelocation.

[0024] As representative of the present invention, FIG. 1, illustrates asystem 10 or gathering, and transmitting, from a remote location, aplurality of diagnostic information and for providing emergencytreatment at the remote location. The system 10 includes a first glovemember 12 a and a second glove member 12 b.

[0025] The first glove member 12 a is adaptable to be worn over one of aperson's hand. The second glove member 12 b is adaptable to be worn overthe other one of a person's hand. The glove members 12 a and 12 binclude a plurality of medical diagnostic probes, which gatherdiagnostic signals, and emergency treatment devices, which provideemergency cardiac treatment, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0026] The glove members 12 a and 12 b are connected via a first cable14 a and a second cable 14 b, respectively, to an interface unit 16 and,thus communicates with, and are capable of transmitting diagnosticsignals, or information, from the medical diagnostic probes to theinterface unit. In a preferred embodiment, the interface unit 16communicates with a remote command center 18 via a telephone wire orfiber A, a satellite connection B, or a radio wave connection C. Theinterface unit 16 can alternatively communicate with a personal computer(PC) 20 via an interface connection D. The PC 20 can be local or remoterelative to the interface unit 16. The interface unit 16 may alsocommunicate with a plurality of local or remote diagnostic readoutapparatuses 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, and 22 e via a central interfaceconnection E via a plurality of individual interface connections, F, G,H, I, and J, respectively. The diagnostic readout apparatuses 22 a-e arepreferably an electrocardiogram (EKG) readout; a blood pressure (BP) andpulse readout, a % O₂ oxygen readout, a temperature readout, and astethoscope, respectively.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, both the first glove member 12 a andthe second glove member 12 b comprise a first glove layer 24 a and 24 b,respectfully, and a second glove layer 26 a and 26 b, respectively,secured to the first glove layer such that the second glove layeroverlies a majority, and preferably almost all, of the first glovelayer. Each of the first glove layers 24 a and 24 b is preferably madeof a highly flexible natural or synthetic material, such as cottonflocked nitrile. Each of the second glove layers 26 a and 26 b ispreferably made of a highly flexible material, such as nitrile.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, the first glove member 12 a includes a palmportion 28 a, a wrist portion 30 a, a thumb phalange portion 32 a, anindex finger phalange portion 34 a, a middle finger phalange portion 36a, a ring finger phalange portion 38 a, and a pinky finger phalangeportion 40 a. The first glove member 12 a further includes a palmarsurface 42 a (FIG. 2) and a dorsal surface 44 a (FIG. 3).

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, the second glove member 12 b includes a palmportion 28 b, a wrist portion 30 b, a thumb phalange portion 32 b, anindex finger phalange portion 34 b, a middle finger phalange portion 36b, a ring finger phalange portion 38 b, and a pinky finger phalangeportion 40 b. The second glove member 12 b further includes a palmerside 42 b and a dorsal side 44 b (FIG. 5).

[0030] As discussed previously, the glove members 12 a and 12 b containa plurality of medical diagnostic devices and emergency treatmentdevices. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-5, the glove members 12 aand 12 b contain an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulserate device 46 (FIG. 2), a temperature device 48, a % O₂ device 50 (FIG.4), an auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2) and a defibrillator device 54(FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0031] The EKG device is capable of measuring the EKG currents of theheart muscle and preferably includes a plurality of sensors 56 a-56 klocated on the glove members 12 a and 12 b. Specifically, sensors 56 a(FIG. 2), 56 b, 56 c, 56 d, 56 e 56 f, 56 g are located on the firstglove member 12 a. Sensors 56 h (FIG. 4), 56 i, 56 j, and 56 k arelocated on the second glove member 12 b. Sensors 56 a-56 g (FIG. 2) aresecured to the first layer 24 a of the first glove member 12 a. Sensors56 h-56 k (FIG. 4) are secured to the first layer 24 b of the secondglove member 12 b. An exemplary sensor 56 c is shown in FIG. 7. Each ofthe sensors 56 a-56 k preferably includes a stainless-steel screen 58and an EKG jelly sponge 60, capable of supplying EKG conductive jelly,disposed between the screen and, preferably, the respective first layer24 a and 24 b (FIGS. 2 and 4). Each sensor 56 a-56 k is provided on thepalmer surface 42 a and 42 b, respectively, of one of the glove members12 a and 12 b and, preferably, extends through each respective glovemember so that the sensor is exposed to the environment.

[0032] More specifically, sensor 56 a (FIG. 2) is positioned on the tipportion of the palmar surface 42 a of the pinky finger phalange portion40 a of the first glove member 12 a. Sensor 56 b is positioned on thetip portion of the palmer surface 42 a of the ring finger phalangeportion 38 a of the first glove member 12 a. Sensor 56 c is positionedon the tip portion of the palmer surface 42 a of the middle fingerphalange portion 36 a of the first glove member 12 a. Sensor 56 d ispositioned on the tip portion of the palmer surface 42 a of the indexfinger phalange portion 34 a of the first glove member 12 a. Sensor 56 eis positioned on the tip portion of the palmar surface 42 a of the thumbphalange portion 32 a of the first glove member 12 a. Sensor 56 f ispositioned on the base portion of the palmar surface 42 a of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a. Sensor 56 gis positioned on the left side, as viewed in FIG. 2, of the palmarsurface 42 a of the palm portion 28 a of the first glove member 12 a.

[0033] Sensor 56 h (FIG. 4) is positioned on the palmer surface 42 b andthe dorsal surface 44 b (FIG. 5) of the thumb phalange portion 32 b andthe index finger phalange portion 34 b of the second glove member 12 b.The sensor 56 h extends from the base portion of the thumb phalangeportion 32 b of the second glove member 12 b to the base portion of theindex finger phalange portion 34 b of the second glove member. Sensor 56i is positioned on the tip portion of the palmer surface 42 b of themiddle finger phalange portion 36 b of the second glove member 12 b.Sensor 56 j is positioned on the tip portion of the palmer surface 42 bof the ring finger phalange portion 38 b of the second glove member 12b. Sensor 56 k is positioned on the tip portion of the palmer surface 42b of the pinky finger phalange portion 40 b of the second glove member12 b.

[0034] Each of the sensors 56 a-56 g (FIG. 2) is connected to a wire 62a-62 g, respectively, which extends between and electrically connects arespective one of the sensors 56 a-56 g with a first female connectionplug 64 a (FIG. 3), which is preferably provided on the dorsal surface44 a of the first glove member 12 a. Each wire 62 a-62 g is preferablydisposed between the first and second layers 24 a and 26 a of the firstglove member 12 a, and is preferably secured to the first layer 24 a.Each of the sensors 56 h-56 k (FIG. 4) is connected to a wire 62 h-62 k,respectively, which extends between and electrically connects arespective one of the sensors 56 h-56 k with a second female connectionplug 64 b (FIG. 5), which is preferably provided on the dorsal surface44 b of the second glove member 12 b. Each wire 62 h-62 k is preferablydisposed between the first and second layers 24 b and 26 b of the secondglove member 12 b, and is preferably secured to the first layer 30 b.Each wire 62 a-62 k is preferably a highly flexible stranded No. 30 (orsmaller) wire which is shielded and has a powdered-iron bead 66 (FIG.7), such as Part No. T25-26 from Amidon Associates in Santa Ana, Calif.,disposed adjacent to its respective sensors 56 a-56 k to help preventthe detection of unwanted noise.

[0035] The first glove member 12 a includes a first ground strip 68 a(FIG. 3) which is preferably positioned on the dorsal surface 44 a ofthe palm portion 28 a between the first and second layers 24 a and 26 a,respectively. Each wire 62 a-62 g is connected to the first ground strip68 a, preferably, via each respective wire's shield. The first groundstrip 68 a is connected to a wire 70 a, which extends between andelectrically connects the first ground strip 68 a to the first femaleconnection plug 64 a. The second glove member 12 b includes a secondground strip 68 b (FIG. 5) which is preferably positioned on the dorsalsurface 44 b of the palm portion 28 b between the first and secondlayers 24 b and 26 b, respectively. Each wire 62 i-62 k is connected tothe second ground strip 68 b, preferably, via each respective wire'sshield. The second ground strip 68 b is connected to a wire 70 b, whichextends between and electrically connects the second ground strip 68 bto the second female connection plug 64 a. The first and second groundstrips 68 a and 68 b, respectively, are composed of highly flexiblecopper mesh or foil and function to bring existing electromagneticforces (EMF) noise to a single electrical voltage point for removal.

[0036] The blood pressure device 46 (FIG. 2), which is capable ofmeasuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate signals,is preferably secured to the first layer 24 a of the first glove member12 a between the first layer 24 a and the second layer 26 a on the thumbphalange portion 32 a and the index finger phalange portion 34 a of theof the first glove member 12 a. The blood pressure device 46 preferablyincludes an expandable air bladder 72 defining a chamber foraccommodating air or another suitable inflation fluid, an acousticalcoupler 74 in the chamber and an air tube 76. The air bladder 72 extendsfrom the mid-portion of the thumb phalange portion 32 a of the firstglove member 12 a to the mid-portion of the index finger phalangeportion 34 a. The air tube 76 extends between and provides fluid andaudio communication between the chamber of the air bladder 72 and thefirst female connection plug 64 a (FIG. 3). The acoustical coupler 74(FIG. 2) is capable of collecting the sound waves in the air bladder 72and directing the sound waves towards, and through, the air tube 76. Theblood pressure device 46 is preferably made of parts similar, oridentical, to parts of the UB-302 Systolic/Diastolic (Pulse) DigitalBlood Pressure monitor from A+D Engineering Inc., of Milpitas, Calif.

[0037] The temperature device 48 is capable of measuring temperaturesignals and preferably includes a thermistor 78. The thermistor 78 ispreferably positioned on the tip of the middle finger phalange portion36 a of the first glove member 12 a. The thermistor 78 is preferablysecured to the first layer 24 a of the first glove member 12 a andextends through the second layer 26 a. The temperature device 48includes a pair of highly flexible No. 30 (or smaller) stranded andshielded wires 80 which extend between and electrically connect thethermistor 78 and the first female connection plug 64 a (FIG. 3). Thetemperature device 48 (FIG. 2) is preferably made of parts similar, oridentical, to parts of the Cole-Parmer E-08402-00 thermometer andGeneric thermistor E-08459-10 from Cole-Parmer Instrument Company ofVernon Hills, Ill.

[0038] The % O₂ device 50 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is capable of measuring thepercent oxygen saturation in the blood (% O₂) signals and preferablyincludes a red (600-660 nm) and infra-red (880-1000 nm) LED emitter 82and an LED (600-1000 nm) sensor 84 positioned on the second layer 26 bof the second glove member 12 b. The LED emitter 82 is preferablysecured to the inner side of the thumb phalange portion 32 b of thesecond glove member 12 b and the LED sensor 84 is preferably secured tothe side of the index finger phalange portion 34 b facing the thumbphalange portion 32 b of the second glove member 12 b such that the LEDemitter 82 faces the LED sensor 84. The LED emitter 82 is connected to apair of highly flexible No. 30 (or smaller) stranded and shielded wires86 which extend between and electrically connect the LED emitter and thesecond female connection plug 64 b (FIG. 5). The LED sensor 84 (FIG. 4)is connected to a pair of wires 88 which extend between and electricallyconnect the LED sensor and the second female connection plug 64 b (FIG.5). The % O₂ device 50 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is preferably made of partssimilar, or identical, to parts of the Nonin Onyx blood flow and oxygen% reader, model No. 8500M from Nonin Medical, Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.

[0039] The auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2) is capable of detecting thesound waves local to the patient's heart and lungs and preferablyincludes an acoustical coupler and microphone 90, an air tube 92, and apair of highly flexible No. 30 (or smaller) stranded and shielded wires93. The acoustical coupler and microphone 90 is preferably secured tothe right side of the palmer surface 42 a of the palm portion 28 a ofthe first glove member 12 a, preferably on the first layer 24 a. Theacoustical coupler and microphone 90 is capable of collecting andamplifying sound waves which are in relative close proximity to theacoustical coupler and microphone. The air tube 92 extends between andprovides audio communication between the acoustical coupler andmicrophone 90 and the first female connection plug 64 a, which isadaptable for connection with a stethoscope. The air tube 92, thus whenconnected with a stethoscope, extends between and provides audiocommunication between the acoustical coupler and microphone 90 and thestethoscope. The pair of wires 93 extends between and electricallyconnects the acoustical coupler and microphone 90 and the first femaleconnection plug 64 a (FIG. 3). The auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2) ispreferably made of parts similar, or identical, to parts of the EGCompany microphone 9445 from the Electrical Gold Co. Of Scottsdale,Ariz.

[0040] The defibrillator device 54 (FIGS. 3 and 5) is capable ofproviding an electrical shock to restore the rhythm of a ventricallyfibrillating heart. The defibrillator device 54 includes a plurality ofelectrodes 98 a-98 h located on the dorsal surfaces 44 a and 44 b,respectively, of the second layer 26 a and 26b, respectively, of thefirst glove member 12 a and the second glove member 12 b, respectively,

[0041] More specifically, electrode 98 a (FIG. 3) is positioned on thedorsal surface 44 a of the index finger phalange portion 34 a of thefirst glove member 12 a. Electrode 98 b is positioned on the dorsalsurface 44 a of the middle finger phalange portion 36 a of the firstglove member 12 a. Electrode 98 c is positioned on the dorsal surface 44a of the ring finger phalange portion 38 a of the first glove member 12a. Electrode 98 d is positioned on the dorsal surface 44 a of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a.

[0042] Electrode 98 e (FIG. 5) is positioned on the dorsal surface 44 bof the index finger phalange portion 34 b of the second glove member 12b. Electrode 98 f is positioned on the dorsal surface 44 b of the middlefinger phalange portion 36 b of the second glove member 12 b. Electrode98 g is positioned on the dorsal surface 44 b of the ring fingerphalange portion 38 b of the second glove member 12 b. Electrode 98 h ispositioned on the dorsal surface 44 b of the pinky finger phalangeportion 43 b of the second glove member 12 b.

[0043] Each of the electrodes 98 a-98 d (FIG. 3) is connected to a wire100 a-100 d, respectively, that extends between and electricallyconnects a respective one of the electrodes 98 a-98 d with a firstdefibrillator electrode combiner 102 a, which is preferably positionedon the dorsal surface 44 a of the first glove member 12 a. The firstdefibrillator electrode combiner 102 a is connected to a highly flexibleNo. 24 (or smaller) stranded high voltage insulated wire 104 a whichextends between and electrically connects the first defibrillatorelectrode combiner 102 a to the first female connection plug 64 a.

[0044] Each of the electrodes 98 e-98 h (FIG. 5) is connected to ahighly flexible No. 24 (or smaller) stranded high voltage insulated wire100 e-100 h, respectively, that extends between and electricallyconnects a respective one of the electrodes 98 a-98 d with a seconddefibrillator electrode combiner 102 b, which is preferably positionedon the dorsal surface 44 b of the second glove member 12 b. The seconddefibrillator electrode combiner 102 b is connected to a highly flexibleNo. 24 (or smaller) stranded high voltage insulated wire 104 b whichextends between and electrically connects the second defibrillatorelectrode combiner 102 b to the second female connection plug 64 b. Thedefibrillator device 54 is preferably made of parts similar, oridentical, to parts of the Heartstream automatic defibrillator model “E”or “EM” of the Heartstream Co., of Seattle, Wash.

[0045] The glove members 12 a and 12 b preferably further comprise anacupuncture device for providing a voltage of sufficient potential tocreate electrical pin stimulations. The acupuncture device preferablyincludes a plurality of stainless steel electrodes 106 a-106 j (FIGS. 3and 4) positioned at the tip of, and extending away from, a respectivephalange portion 32 a-40 a, and 32 b-40 b, respectively, on a respectiveglove member 12 a and 12 b. Each electrode 106 a-106 j is essentiallyconical and has a base portion connected to a respective phalangeportion 32 a-40 a and 32 b-40 b, respectively, and terminates in a headportion. Each of the electrodes 106 a-106 e (FIG. 3) includes a wire 108a-108 e, respectively, that extends between and electrically connects afirst acupuncture electrode combiner 110 a with a respective one of theelectrodes 106 a-106 e. The first acupuncture electrode combiner 110 ais connected to a wire 112 a which extends between and electricallyconnects the first acupuncture electrode combiner 110 a with the firstfemale connection plug 64 a. Each of the electrodes 106 f-106 j (FIG. 5)includes a wire 108 f-108 j, respectively, that extends between andelectrically connects a second acupuncture electrode combiner 110 b witha respective one of the electrodes 106 f-106 j. The second acupunctureelectrode combiner 110 b is connected to a wire 112 b which extendsbetween and electrically connects the second acupuncture electrodecombiner 110 b with the second female connection plug 64 b.

[0046] Each of the glove members 12 a and 12 b is preferablymanufactured by securing, by any suitable means, the wires, sensors,electrodes and other components to a respective glove, preferably madeof nitrile (i.e., the first layers 24 a and 24 b). It should be notedthat the wires, sensors and/or electrodes could be made using flexiblecircuit technology, such as by using a conductive printable ink. Thecomponents of the glove member 12 a and 12 b which do not extend pastthe second layers 26 a and 26 b, such as the wires, are then covered bythe respective second layer 26 a and 26 b in a suitable manner, such asby spraying or dip coating.

[0047] The first cable 14 a includes a first input plug 114 a (FIG. 3),which plugs into male receptors on the first female connection plug 64 aon the first glove member 12 a, and a first output plug 116 a (FIG. 6),which plugs into male receptors on a first female connection plug 118 aon the interface unit 16. The second cable 14 b includes a first inputplug 114 b (FIG. 5), which plugs into male receptors on the secondfemale connection plug 64 b on the second glove member 12 b, and asecond output plug 116 b (FIG. 6), which plugs into male receptors on asecond female connection plug 118 b on the interface unit 16. The firstcable 14 a (FIG. 3) preferably includes a plurality of electrical wiresand air tubes which extend between plugs 114 a and 116 a (FIG. 6) toprovide electrical, audio, and fluid communication between the firstglove member 12 a and the interface unit 16 when the plugs 114 a (FIG.3) and 116 a (FIG. 6) are plugged into their respective femaleconnection plugs 64 a (FIG. 3) and 118 a (FIG. 6). The second cable 14 b(FIG. 5) preferably includes a plurality of electrical wires whichextend between plugs 114 b and 116 b (FIG. 6) to provide electricalcommunication between the second glove member 12 b and the interfaceunit 16 when the plugs 114 b (FIG. 5) and 116 b (FIG. 6) are pluggedinto their respective female connection plugs 64 b (FIG. 5)and 118 b(FIG. 6).

[0048] The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) preferably includes an EKG circuitboard 120 for receiving EKG currents detected by the sensors 56 a-56 k(FIGS. 2 and 4), a blood pressure circuit board 122 (FIG. 6) forreceiving systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate signalsfrom the blood pressure device 46 (FIG. 2), a temperature circuit board124 (FIG. 6) for receiving temperature signals from the temperaturedevice 48 (FIG. 2), a % O₂ circuit board 126 (FIG. 6) for receiving % O₂signals from the % O₂ device 50 FIG. 4) and an acupuncture/defibrillatorcircuit board 128 (FIG. 6) for controlling the delivery of electricalshock to the patient.

[0049] The EKG circuit board 120 is capable of amplifying the EKGcurrents from the sensors 56 a-56 k and converting the EKG currents toat least a plurality of EKG analog outputs. The EKG circuit board 120 ispreferably made of parts similar, or identical, to parts of the PC-ECGrecorder unit from I.P.I. Medical Products of McLean, Va.

[0050] The blood pressure circuit board 122 is capable of (i) convertingthe systolic blood pressure signals to a systolic blood pressure analogoutput, (ii) the diastolic blood pressure signals to a diastolic bloodpressure analog output, and (iii) the pulse rate signals to a pulse rateanalog output. The blood pressure circuit board 122 includes a source ofinflation fluid, such as an air pump 130 (FIG. 6), for supplying asource of inflation fluid for the air bladder 72, and an acousticalsensor (not shown) for detecting the systolic and diastolic bloodpressure and pulse rate signals. The pump 130 is in fluid communicationwith the air bladder 72 (FIG. 2) via the air tube 76, cable 14 a(FIG. 1) and air conduit 131 (FIG. 6), which extends between andprovides fluid and audio communication between the female connectionplug 118 a of the interface unit 16 and the air pump 130 of the bloodpressure circuit board 122. The blood pressure circuit board 122 ispreferably made of parts similar, or identical, to parts of the UB-302Systolic/Diastolic (Pulse) Digital Blood Pressure monitor from A+DEngineering Inc., of Milpitas, Calif.

[0051] The temperature circuit board 124 is capable of converting thetemperature signals to a temperature analog output. The temperaturecircuit board 124 is preferably made of parts similar, or identical, toparts of the Cole-Parmer E-08402-00 digital thermometer fromCole-Parmer, of Vernon Hills, Ill. The % O₂ circuit board 126 is capableof converting the % O₂ signals to a % O₂ analog output. The % O₂ circuitboard 124 is preferably made of parts similar, or identical to parts ofthe Nonin Onyx blood flow and oxygen % reader, model No. 8500M fromNonin Medical, Inc., of Plymouth, Minn. The interface unit 16 alsoincludes a first audio amp 132 for amplifying the sound waves receivedfrom the auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2). The acupuncture defibrillatorcircuit board 128 selectively regulates the amount of electrical energysupplied by the defibrillator device 54 (FIG. 3) and the acupuncturedevice. A high voltage source 134 is contained within the interface unit16 which supplies power to the electrodes 98 a-98 k to generate theelectrical shock to be delivered to the patient and also supplies powerto electrodes 106 a-106 j (FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0052] The interface unit 16 further includes a first analog to digitalconverter 136 for converting the EKG analog outputs to an EKG digitaldata stream, a second analog to digital converter 138 for converting (i)the systolic blood pressure analog output to a systolic blood pressuredigital data stream, (ii) the diastolic blood pressure analog output toa diastolic blood pressure digital data stream, and (iii) the pulse rateanalog output to a pulse rate digital data stream, a third analog todigital converter 140 for converting the temperature analog output to atemperature digital data stream, a fourth analog to digital converter142 for converting the % O₂ analog output to a % O₂ digital data stream,and a fifth analog to digital converter 144 for converting the soundwaves from the first audio amp 132 to a sound digital data stream.

[0053] The interface unit 16 further includes a multiplexer 146 forcombining the digital data streams from the analog to digital converters136-144 to a combined digital data stream. The combined digital datastream can then be conveyed to the PC 20 (FIG. 1) via a first port 148(FIG. 6), or to the command center 18 (FIG. 1) by satellite connection Bvia a modem, or by radio wave connection C via the first port 148, or tothe command center 18 by telephone wire, or fiber A, via telephone modem150 (FIG. 6) and a second port 152. The digital data streams from theinterface unit 16 are then converted or interpreted into readablediagnostic information in the command center 18 (FIG. 1) or the PC 20.This circuitry enables the glove members 12 a and 12 b and the interfaceunit 16 to be provided at a reasonable cost. The multiplexer 146 (FIG.6) also communicates with a control panel and indicator circuit board154.

[0054] The interface unit 16 further includes a speaker/microphone 156(FIG. 6) which communicates with the multiplexer 146, via a second audioamp 158 and a sixth analog to digital converter 160, to enable a medicalprofessional in the command center 18 (FIG. 1) to communicate orallywith the persons in relative close proximity to the speaker/microphone156 (FIG. 6).

[0055] The interface unit 16 includes a third port 164 for receiving andtransmitting EKG currents detected by sensors 56 a-56 k to an EKGreadout apparatus 22 a (FIG. 1) where the EKG currents will be convertedor interpreted into readable diagnostic information. The interface unit16 (FIG. 6) further includes a fourth, fifth and sixth port 166, 168 and170, respectively, for receiving and transmitting the analog outputsfrom the blood pressure circuit board 122, the temperature circuit board124 and the % O₂ circuit board 126, respectively, to a blood pressureand pulse readout apparatus 22 b (FIG. 1), a temperature readoutapparatus 22 c, and a % O₂ readout apparatus 22 d, respectively, wherethe analog outputs will be converted or interpreted into readablediagnostic information.

[0056] The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) also includes a power supply 172which supplies power, via power supply distributor 174, to all of thecomponents of the interface unit. The interface unit 16 also preferablyincludes a plurality battery packs 176 and a battery charger port 178.

[0057] The interface unit 16 further includes an optical isolator 180for electrically isolating the entire interface unit 16 and glovemembers 12 a and 12 b from any destructive and damaging currents whichmight be encountered from external communication links.

[0058] The manner of operation of the system 10 (FIG. 1) will now bedescribed. A person, other than the patient, places the glove probes 12a and 12 b over his or her right and left hands, respectively, so thateach of the person's fingers are received within a respective one of thephalange portions 32 a-40 a and 32 b-40 b, respectively. The glovemembers 12 a and 12 b are then connected to interface unit 16 by cables14 a and 14 b, respectively.

[0059] EKG Diagnostic Information

[0060] To obtain EKG diagnostic information, the palmar sides 42 a and42 b of the glove members 12 a and 12 b are placed over the patient. Thesensors 56 a-56 g are located at strategic positions on the glovemembers 12 a and 12 b, as described above, to enable a plurality ofleadwire combinations to detect a plurality of standard leads when theglove members 12 a and 12 b are placed over the patient. Some exemplaryleadwire combinations are as follows:

[0061] I. Single Lead Three-Leadwire Scenarios:

[0062] It is believed that at least the following ECG Leads arepossible:

[0063] Lead 1:

[0064] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56 c on the tip portion of the indexfinger phalange portion 34 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulderquadrant.

[0065] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56 e on the tip portion of the thumbphalange portion 32 a of the first glove member 12 a is positioned aboveand into the patient's right shoulder quadrant.

[0066] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast.

[0067] Lead 2:

[0068] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast towards the V6 position.

[0069] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56 e on the top portion of the thumbphalange portion 32 a of the first glove member 12 a is positioned aboveand into the patient's right shoulder quadrant.

[0070] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast.

[0071] Lead 3:

[0072] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast towards the V6 position.

[0073] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56 c on the tip portion of the indexfinger phalange portion 34 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulderquadrant.

[0074] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast.

[0075] MCL1 (Modified Chest Lead) Lead:

[0076] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56 c on the tip portion of the indexfinger phalange portion 34 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulderquadrant.

[0077] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56 g on the left side of the palmportion 28 a of the first glove member 12 a is positioned at thepatient's right sternal border.

[0078] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast.

[0079] MCL4 Lead:

[0080] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56 c on the tip portion of the indexfinger phalange 34 a of the first glove member 12 a is positioned abovethe patient's left breast at the left shoulder quadrant.

[0081] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned at the patient's V4 position.

[0082] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast.

[0083] II. Five-Leadwire Scenario:

[0084] With the glove member 12 a placed over the patient's left breastand the second glove member 12 b placed over the patient's right wrist,it is believed that at least the following leadwires are possible:

[0085] LL acting leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast.

[0086] RL leadwire: Sensor 56 i on the tip portion of the middle fingerphalange portion 36 b of the second glove member 12 b is positioned onthe patient's right wrist.

[0087] LA acting lead: Sensor 56 c on the tip portion of the indexfinger phalange portion 34 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulderquadrant.

[0088] RA acting leadwire: Sensor 56 e on the tip portion of the thumbphalange portion 32 a of the first glove member 12 a is positioned aboveand into the patient's right shoulder quadrant.

[0089] C leadwire: Sensor 56 g on the left side of the palm portion 28 aof the first glove member 12 a is positioned at the patient's rightsternal border.

[0090] With the glove members 12 a and 12 b positioned in the fiveleadwire scenario, it is believed that the following lead readings arepossible: Lead 1, Lead 2, Lead 3, AVR and AVL.

[0091] III. Seven-Leadwire Scenario:

[0092] With the glove member 12 a placed over the patient's left breastand the second glove member 12 b placed over the patient's right wrist,it is believed that at least the following leadwires are possible:

[0093] LL acting leadwire: Sensor 56 a on the tip portion of the pinkyfinger phalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned under the patient's left breast.

[0094] V2 leadwire: Sensor 56 f on the base portion of the pinky fingerphalange portion 40 a of the first glove member 12 a is positioned inthe patient's V2 position.

[0095] RL leadwire: Sensor 56 i on the tip portion of the middle fingerphalange portion 36 b of the second glove member 12 b is positioned onthe patient's right wrist.

[0096] V4r leadwire: Sensor 56 k on the tip portion of the pinky fingerphalange portion 40 b of the second glove member 12 b is positioned inthe patient's V4r position.

[0097] LA acting leadwire: Sensor 56 c on the tip portion of the indexfinger phalange portion 34 a of the first glove member 12 a ispositioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulderquadrant.

[0098] RA acting leadwire: Sensor 56 e on the tip portion of the thumbphalange portion 32 a of the first glove member 12 a is positioned aboveand into the patient's right shoulder quadrant.

[0099] C leadwire: Sensor 56 g on the left side of the palm portion 28 aof the first glove member 12 a is positioned at the patient's rightsternal border.

[0100] With the glove members 12 a and 12 b positioned in the sevenleadwire scenario, it is believed that at least the following leadreadings are possible: Lead 1, Lead 2, Lead 3, AVR, AVL, V2 and V4r.

[0101] IV. Modified Leadwire Scenarios.

[0102] Other EKG leadwire scenarios can be accomplished at thediscretion of the command center and the person wearing the glovemembers 12 a and 12 b. Such options are available since the followingglove member positions relate to electrical heart activity as below: G(ground) leadwire: patient's left side + (positive) leadwire: patient'sright chest (right sternal border) − (negative) leadwire: patient's leftshoulder

[0103] It will be noted that the above relationships form a triangle.This triangle can be compressed or expanded, but always have the samerelationships.

[0104] It should be noted that the glove members 12 a and 12 b of thepresent invention allow for a flexibility in EKG electrode positioningwhich has not been possible until now. With the glove members 12 a and12 b positioned at the right and left shoulders, it is possible to slidea sensor 56 i on the middle finger phalange portion 36 b of the secondglove member 12 b across the patient's chest from V1 to V6 position togenerate the V1-V6 leads as well as the points between the V1-V6precordial leads. This enables one to see how the precordial electricalfield changes and to determine with more accuracy the specific area ofpatient's heart where a possible abnormality may occur.

[0105] It should also be noted that, in the event that distortion of theEKG waveform occurs due to misplacement of the EKG sensors 56 a-56 k,correction of such can be accomplished using waveform modificationcircuits located at the command center 18. Such waveform modificationcircuitry accomplishes distortion correction utilizing waveshapingtechniques which filter, compare, and re-shape into readable data.

[0106] V. Six-Leadwire Scenario

[0107] With the first glove member 12 a placed over the patient's leftbreast and the second glove member 12 b placed over the patient's rightbreast, it is believed that at least the following leadwires arepossible: 6 Leadwire with Vr positions: Positive Leadwire: Sensor 56c onthe tip portion of the index finger phalange portion 34a of the firstglove member 12a is positioned above the patient's left breast at theleft shoulder quadrant. Negative Leadwire: Sensor 56e on the tip portionof the thumb phalange portion 32a of the first glove member 12a ispositioned above and into the patient's right shoulder quadrant. V3rLeadwire: Sensor 56i on the middle finger phalange portion 36b of thesecond glove member 12b is positioned at the patient's right chest V3rposition. V4r Leadwire: Sensor 56j on the ring finger phalange portion38b of the second glove member 12b is positioned at the patient's rightchest V4r position. V5r Leadwire: Sensor 56k on the pinky fingerphalange portion 40b of the second glove member 12b is positioned at thepatient's right chest V5r position.

[0108] A six leadwire scenario is especially useful in emergencysettings to quickly evaluate risks in patients with acute inferiormyocardial infraction.

[0109] With the glove members 12 a and 12 b positioned in the sixleadwire scenario, it is believed that at least the following leadreading are possible: Lead 1, Lead 2, Lead 3, V4r, V5r and V6r. Theabove lead readings are important in diagnosing heart conditions inchildren, and especially infants.

[0110] As detailed above, the plurality of EKG sensors 56 a-56 g, beinglocated together on two easily and quickly manipulatable glove members12 a and 12 b, allows for a variety of EKG leads to be quickly andeasily attained by manipulating the glove members 12 a and 12 b and thephalange portions 32 a-40 a and 32 b-40 b.

[0111] The EKG currents, or leads, detected from the sensors 56 a-56 kare transmitted to the first and second female connection plugs 64 a and64 b, and through the cables 14 a and 14 b to the interface unit 16where they can be sent to the command center 18 or PC 20 in a digitaldata stream, or to the EKG readout apparatus 22 a, as discussed above.

[0112] Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Diagnostic Information

[0113] To obtain blood pressure and pulse rate diagnostic information,the thumb phalange portion 32 a (FIG. 2)and the index finger phalangeportion 34 a of the first glove member 12 a is wrapped around one of thepatient's wrist. In this position, the air bladder 72 is ready to acceptair pressure from the pump 130 (FIG. 6) in the blood pressure circuitboard 122. The air pump 130 then transmits inflation fluid, such as air,via the conduit 131, cable 14 a and air tube 76 (FIG. 2), to the airbladder 72 to inflate the air bladder. Inflation of the air bladder 72obliterates the radial artery. As the air bladder 72 releases theinflation fluid, pulse sound waves are acoustically picked-up by theacoustical coupler 74 and are sent over the air tube 76 to the firstfemale connection plug 64 a, and through the first cable 14 a to theinterface unit 16 (FIG. 1) where they can be sent to the command center18 or PC 20 in a digital data stream, or to the blood pressure and pulserate readout 22 b, as discussed above.

[0114] Body Temperature Diagnostic Information

[0115] To obtain body temperature diagnostic information, the middlefinger phalange portion 36 a (FIG. 2) of the first glove member 12 a isplaced under the patient's tongue, or in a suitable orifice, for aperiod of time sufficient to receive temperature signals from thethermistor 78, preferably about one minute. The temperature signals fromthe temperature device 48 can be transmitted to the first femaleconnection plug 64 a, and through the first cable 14 a to the interfaceunit 16 (FIG. 1) where they can be sent to the command center 18 or PC20 in a digital data stream, or to the temperature readout apparatus 22d, as discussed above.

[0116] % O₂ Diagnostic Information

[0117] To obtain % O₂ diagnostic information, the thumb phalange portion32 b (FIG. 3) and the index finger phalange portion 34 b of the secondglove member 12 b are pressed against one of the patient's finger tips.In this position, the red LED emitter 82 (FIG. 4) emits red andinfra-red light toward the LED sensor 84. When the light from the LEDemitter 84 is passed through the patient's finger (non-painted fingernails only) at the finger nail, the LED sensor 84 detects the colorlight waves present. These signals are translated from light intensityand color quality to oxygen levels. More oxygen yields a light red bloodwhile less oxygen produces a darker red to purple blood. It should benoted that pulse rate can also be ascertained from these readings. As analternative to the finger tips, the ear lobes could be used to measurethe % O₂.

[0118] The % O₂ signals from the % O₂ device 50 are then sent to thesecond female connection plug 64 b, and through the second cable 14 b tothe interface unit 16 (FIG. 1) where the % O₂ signals can be sent to thecommand center 18 or PC 20 in a digital data stream, or to the % O₂readout apparatus 22 c, as discussed above.

[0119] Auscultation Diagnostic Information

[0120] To listen to the heart and lungs of the patient, the first glovemember 12 a is moved over the patient's body to enable the acousticalcoupler and microphone 90 to pick up, or hear, sound waves from thepatient's heart and lungs, much like a stethoscope would. The soundwaves are then transmitted to the first female connection plug 64 a, viathe pair of wires 93, and then through the first cable 14a to theinterface unit 16, where they can be sent to the command center 18 or PC20, in a digital data stream as described above. Alternatively, thesound waves from the acoustical coupler of the acoustical coupler andmicrophone 90 could also be conducted via air tube 94 to a stethoscope22 e.

[0121] Oral Communication

[0122] To communicate orally with a remote location, such as the commandcenter 18, the speaker/microphone 156 can transmit and receive soundwaves as described above. It should be noted that the interface unit 16may not be able to transmit or receive sound waves via thespeaker/microphone 156 when processing diagnostic information from theEKG diagnostic device, the blood pressure device 46, the temperaturedevice 48, the % O₂ device 50 and/or the auscultation device 52. Theability for a doctor to communicate with the patient, if alert, andpeople proximate to the patient, such as the person manipulating theglove members 12 a and 12 b, if such person is not the doctor, allowsthe doctor to instruct the person manipulating the glove members 12 aand 12 b to best obtain the diagnostic information and to instruct theperson manipulating the glove members, or other near by the patient howto provide care/treatment to the patient.

[0123] Defibrillator Device

[0124] Once the diagnostic information from any, or all, of the EKGdevice, the blood pressure device 46, the temperature device 48, the %O₂ device 50, the auscultation device 52, and the oral informationobtained via the speaker/microphone 156 has been received by a doctor inthe command center 18 or accessible to the PC 20 or the readoutapparatus 22 a-22 e, the doctor can decide on the best way to treat thepatient. If the information obtained by the doctor indicates that thepatient is in ventricular fibrillation (i.e., the heart beats in anuneven and inefficient fashion, virtually stopping the heart's abilityto pump blood), the doctor instructs the person manipulating the gloveto defibrillate the patient. Of course, if the doctor is with thepatient and is manipulating the glove members 12 a and 12 b herself,then the doctor would defibrillate the patient herself.

[0125] To defibrillate the patient, the dorsal sides 44 a and 44 b ofthe first and second glove members 12 a and 12 b, respectively, arepositioned on the patient's chest area so that the electrodes 98 a-hcontact the patient's chest area. The acupuncture/defibrillator circuitboard 128 (FIG. 6) is activated to ready the high voltage source 134 todeliver a powerful electrical shock to the patient's heart. The highvoltage source 134 delivers power, preferably about 130-300 Joules pershock, through the cables 14 a and 14 b to the electrodes 98 a-k on thefirst and second glove members 12 a and 12 b to deliver the electricshock to the patient's heart to bring the patient out of ventricularfibrillation. The acupuncture/defibrillator circuit board 128 can beactivated either by the command center 18 or by a person near theinterface unit 16. In the event that the acupuncture/defibrillatorcircuit board 128 is to be activated by a person near the interfaceunit, such as the person manipulating the glove members, the delivery ofpower can be delayed for a period of time, preferably about fiveseconds, after activation of the circuit board 128 to enable properplacement of the electrodes 98 a-h.

[0126] The delivery of electrical shock to the patient's heart can berepeated as necessary to bring the patient out of ventricularfibrillation to restore the patient's heartbeat to an even and efficientfashion (i.e., a regular rhythm). The glove members 12 a and 12 b,having both an EKG device and a defibrillator device, enables the personmanipulating the glove members to quickly and easily alternate betweentaking EKG readings, to monitor the condition of the patient's heart,and the defibrillator device with only a quick rotation of their hands.

[0127] Once the patient's heartbeat has been restored to a regularrhythm, the next step is to maintain the patient's heart in a regularrhythm. To do so, a first aid kit is preferably provided with theinterface unit 16. The first aid kit would preferably includemedications which would include an anti-arrythmic drug, such asLidocaine, for inhibiting the heart from falling back into ventricularfibrillation, a lactic acidosis neutralizer, such as sodium bicarbonateand pain relieving medications like demerol or morphine. Thesemedications would preferably be preloaded in clearly marked and colorcoded syringes to enable quick administration. If the doctor were notnear the patient and is operating out of the command center 18, thedoctor can monitor the patient's condition via the glove members 12 aand 12 b and the interface unit 16 and can instruct the personmanipulating the glove members 12a and 12 b and/or persons near thepatient to properly provide care/treatment for the patient.

[0128] Acupuncture Device

[0129] To provide electrical pin stimulations, theacupuncture/defibrillator circuit board 128 is activated to cause thehigh voltage source 134 to deliver power to the electrodes 106 a-106 j.The high voltage source 134 delivers power, preferably about 5 to 10Joules per electrode 106 a-106 j, through the cables 14 a and 14 b tothe electrodes 106 a-106 j on the first and second glove members 12 aand 12 b to enable the electrodes 106 a-106 j to provide electrical pinstimulation to the patient when the electrodes 106 a-106 j are movedover the patient's body.

[0130] The electrical pin stimulation from the electrodes 106 a-106 jcan be used to alleviate pain, as is done via conventional acupuncturepractice, albeit in a non-invasive manner. This glove mediatedacupuncture technique obviates the need to insert needles into the bodyto deliver acupuncture and helps insure safety from needle transmitteddiseases, such as HIV infection. The electrical pin stimulations canalso be used to cauterize wounds on the patient.

[0131] Accordingly, the above-described present invention enables aplurality of diagnostic information to be quickly and accuratelyobtained, either by a doctor in close proximity to a patient, or by adoctor remote from the patient (i.e., when the doctor is in the commandcenter 18), evaluate and/or monitor a patient's condition. The presentinvention also provides a means for quickly treating a patient (i.e.,the defibrillator device 54 and the acupuncture device) under the careof a doctor who is accurately informed of the patient's condition evenwhen the doctor is not near the patient.

[0132] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have beendescribed in detail, those familiar with the art to which the inventionrelates will appreciate other ways of carrying out the invention definedby the following claims. For instance, the placement of the diagnosticdevices on the glove members 12 a and 12 b and/or specific design of thediagnostic devices could vary from that described above. For instance,the EKG device could have more or fewer sensors or the sensors could belocated differently than that described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for collecting a plurality of diagnosticinformation and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remotelocation and for providing emergency treatment, said system comprising;a first member adaptable to be worn on a person's first hand and asecond member adaptable to be worn on a person's second hand, saidmembers comprising a plurality of diagnostic devices and a defibrillatordevice, said diagnostic devices capable sensing diagnostic signals froma person; and transmitting unit for transmitting information to, andreceiving information from, a remote location.
 2. The system of claim 1wherein said plurality of diagnostic devices includes an EKG diagnosticdevice, a blood pressure and pulse diagnostic device and a temperaturedevice.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of diagnosticdevices further includes a % O₂ diagnostic device and an auscultationdevice.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said members further include anacupuncture device having a plurality of electrodes located on saidmembers.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a satellite modem,wherein the remote location comprises a command center and saidinterface units transmits information to, and receives information from,the remote location via a satellite connection through said satellitemodem.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a telephone modem,wherein the remote location comprises a command center and saidinterface units transmits information to, and receives information from,the remote location via a telephone wire connection through saidtelephone modem.
 7. The system of claim 1 further including a first aidkit comprising Lidocaine.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein each of saidfirst and second members comprise a palm portion, a wrist portion andfive phalange portions.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein said EKGdiagnostic device includes at least a first EKG sensor located on saidpalm portion of said first member, and a second EKG sensor located on atleast one of said phalange portions of said first member.
 10. The systemof claim 9 wherein said EKG diagnostic device includes at least elevenEKG sensors.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein said blood pressure andpulse rate device is located on at least two of said phalange portionsof one of said member and includes an inflatable air bladder.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11 wherein said temperature device includes a thermistorwhich is responsive to temperature changes.
 13. The system of claim 12wherein said % O₂ device includes a LED emitter and an LED sensor, saidled sensor and led emitter being located on one of said phalangeportions.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein said interface unitcomprises an EKG circuit board, a blood pressure and pulse rate circuitboard, a temperature board, a % O₂ circuit board, wherein said bloodpressure and pulse rate circuit board includes a source of inflationfluid for inflating said air bladder.
 15. The system of claim 14 whereinsaid interface unit includes at least one analog to digital converterfor converting at least one analog output from at least one of saidcircuit boards to a digital data stream.
 16. The system of claim 8wherein said defibrillator device includes a plurality of electrodesbeing located on said members.
 17. A diagnostic probe comprising: afirst and second glove member, each of said glove members comprising apalm portion, a wrist portion and a plurality of phalange portions, eachof said glove members adaptable to be worn on one of a person's hand; anEKG diagnostic device located on said glove members; a blood pressureand pulse rate device located on one of said glove members; atemperature device located on one of said glove member; and adefibrillator device located on said glove members.
 18. The diagnosticprobe of claim 17 further comprising a % O₂ device located on one ofsaid glove members and an auscultation device located on one of saidglove members.
 19. The diagnostic probe of claim 18 further comprisingan acupuncture device located on said glove members.